HOWDY (6) improved sharply last start at the second run of the campaign, working home late to get up for second over 1200m at Pakenham. Failed at his only try at 1400m but it was on a bog at the end of last prep. Ready to perform to his best. PRAY DAY (5) did his best work late to get up for third, a length behind Howdy, when resuming over 1200m at Pakenham recently. This trip is a nice progression at this stage of the prep. The small field suits - one to watch for in the closing stages. MAKDANE (2) was safely held when fresh from a long spell at Pakenham last start. Handy on his day and will derive great benefit from that last hit-out. COCOBILL (4) compounded in the straight first-up but should offer a bit more this time. MOUNT RINJANI (3) placed in a recent Pakenham jump-out and is in the mix first run back from a nineteen-week break.